City Turn on the Style Late as Everton Fade Again

For 75 minutes, it looked like Everton might just pull something off. They defended with grit, soaked up pressure, and even had a couple of solid chances. But when you’re up against Manchester City, that’s rarely enough. And once the City machine found its rhythm, there was only ever going to be one winner.

Pep Guardiola’s side took their time warming up, but when they did, they flipped the switch with ruthless precision. Late goals from O’Reilly and Kovacic sealed the deal and kept City’s chase for a Champions League spot alive and kicking. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, especially with big games coming thick and fast.

O’Reilly was everywhere. Bossing it at both ends of the pitch, he capped off his performance with a striker’s finish—drifting in unnoticed, arriving right on cue, and guiding home a pinpoint cross from Nunes. Cool as you like.

And then, just when Everton might have dreamed of a late equaliser, up stepped Kovacic. Injured time, nerves tight, and yet he slid in like it was a training drill—guided a cut-back from Gundogan into the corner, job done.

For Sean Dyche and Everton, it was another night of what-ifs. Their defensive shape was spot on for most of the match. Tarkowski and Doucoure came close, one with a header that shaved the post, the other forcing a big save from Gvardiol. But “almost” doesn’t count in games like this. And by the final whistle, it felt all too familiar for Toffees fans.

City keep rolling. Five wins on the bounce and momentum building at just the right time. It wasn’t a thriller until the last stretch, but that’s how champions operate. Stay calm, stay patient, and strike when the door opens.

As for Everton, there’s a week to regroup before the trip to Stamford Bridge. The fight’s not over—but they’ll need to find some teeth up front if they want to do more than just hang on.

City march on. Everton are left wondering. Again.